45 pages • 1 hour read
Leo Africanus
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Book Brief
360
Novel • Fiction
Mediterranean • 16th century
1986
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Leo Africanus by Amin Maalouf centers on Hasan, a Granada-born Muslim who emigrates with his family to Fez following the Spanish conquest. He later becomes a diplomat traveling to Timbuktu and Cairo, falling in love and facing personal losses. Captured by Spanish privateers, Hasan is taken to Rome, where he becomes John-Leo under Pope Leo X's patronage, navigating a complex life of identity and survival across various cultures.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
15,534 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Leo Africanus by Amin Maalouf is praised for its rich historical detail and vibrant storytelling, which adeptly brings the Renaissance period and its cultural intersections to life. Reviewers appreciate its complex protagonist and evocative narrative. However, some find the pacing uneven, which may hinder engagement. Overall, it is lauded as a well-researched and immersive read.
Who Should Read Leo Africanus?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction rich in cultural exploration and detailed settings will find Leo Africanus by Amin Maalouf captivating. Fans of works like The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco and I, Claudius by Robert Graves, which blend history and narrative, will appreciate Maalouf's intricate storytelling.
15,534 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
360
Novel • Fiction
Mediterranean • 16th century
1986
Adult
18+ years
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